Best Military Rucksack - Guide & Reviews

I love to go camping and backpacking all the time. Usually, I will head up to the mountain once a month to get away from the stress of modern life and reconnect with nature. Because I go outdoors so often, I need a bag that will hold up to the rugged terrain and repeated use.

For the most part, I head out into the wild rain or shine, meaning that my bag also has to stand up to some pretty intense weather. Most of the time it will rain at least once on my trip, and I can’t afford to have my gear get wet because of a subpar bag.

I used to have an old survival backpack that my dad gave me, but after twenty years of use, it finally became a collection of tatters and patches. When I started searching for a replacement, I realized that I shouldn’t be looking for any camping gear, I should instead be looking for military grade equipment.

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. If these bags are run through the same kind of tests that they put military gear through, then it should definitely hold up with my backpacking, right?

In my research, I found five different military-grade rucksacks that will be fantastic for any use, whether it’s climbing the mountain or traveling to another country. If you’re interested in a backpack that can hold up to the toughest conditions, then check out these five bags.

Recommended Military Rucksacks

1. CAMTOA 50L Tactical Military Rucksack

Editor Rating:

The first pack that we’ll look at is the CAMTOA 50-Liter Tactical Backpack. As far as military rucksacks go, this is pretty much the gold standard regarding appearance and functionality. I love the size of this bag; most similar packs only have about 30-40 liters of storage space, so it’s excellent that there is so much room.

I also like the desert camo coloring and the shape of the bag itself. The material is high-end 600D nylon, which is both extra rugged and waterproof, so that’s a huge plus.

When looking at military-grade rucksacks, most (if not all) are MOLLE compatible. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment, and this system is used by the US military.

The way it works is that you can attach smaller packs to the larger one so you can mix and match as needed. The packs are secured by velcro and straps so that they don’t fall off while hiking. This particular bag comes with three MOLLE bags, meaning that you can swap them out on another rucksack if you have it.

The other thing that I like about the CAMTOA is that it has plenty of straps to keep the bag secure. Two thick shoulder straps are complemented by a chest and waistband so you can disperse weight evenly across your body.

That being said, however, I do know that this bag is not ideal for heavy equipment, meaning that if you have more than 45 pounds of gear inside the seams could start to tear. Nonetheless, this is an excellent bag for casual or daily use.

Pros

Rugged 600D Nylon material

Waterproof

Thick padding for comfort

Large storage compartment

Thick waist belt for heavy hauling

Adjustable chest belt included

Modular design

Three in one pack

Three detachable molle pouches

Two on the sides and one on bottom

Compatible with any MOLLE packs

90-day money back guarantee

Cons

In rare cases, stitching around shoulder straps may tear easily

In some instances, the bag may have a chemical odor to it and will need to be aired out

2. CVLIFE Outdoor 50L Rucksacks Backpack

Editor Rating:

Next, we have the CVLIFE Outdoor Tactical Backpack. This is very similar to the CAMTOA both in size and shape, as well as the number of straps you get for weight distribution. The biggest difference, in fact, is the coloring. This model has green camo while the CAMTOA has tan. Some people prefer green, so this would be a better option.

As far as performance, this bag has a lot of storage space and comes with three MOLLE packs on the sides and bottom. I like having smaller compartments for essentials, although I do prefer to have a water bottle holder on one side for hydration.

As far as durability is concerned, this bag is also made of 600D Nylon, which is super tough and naturally waterproof. The straps are sturdy and can hold up to a lot of abuse, making this bag ideal for most situations and environments.

Cons

3. CVLIFE Outdoor Military Rucksacks

Editor Rating:

Our next rucksack is another model from CVLIFE. However, this is a basic version of the one above, in that it doesn’t come with any MOLLE packs included. For some people, this may be a dealbreaker, but you can find such packs relatively easy online, and you can purchase them separately.

Otherwise, this bag has all the same features as the one above. It has a ton of storage space, it is made of high-quality 600D Nylon, it’s waterproof, and it has sufficient straps for ideal weight distribution.

Overall, if you just need a sturdy bag for daily use or emergencies, this is a fantastic option. I also like the fact that it has quite a few interior pockets so you can keep everything organized rather than in a jumbled mess.

Pros

Durable 600D nylon construction

Waterproof material

Two main compartments with ample storage

Shoulder strap with thick padding

Chest and waist straps for extra weight

Green camo design

Two outside compartments for added storage

MOLLE compatible

Numerous interior pockets

Cons

In extremely rare cases, the bag may arrive with mold on it. Return immediately if that is the case

In some cases, heavy weight may cause the straps to tear

Does not come with any MOLLE packs

In some instances, the bag may arrive with a chemical odor and need to be aired out

4. Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Rucksack

Editor Rating:

As far as heavy duty rucksacks go, I would have to say that the Mil-Tec Tactical Combat Backpack is one of the best. Although the material is the same as the others on this list, where this pack really shines is in the craftsmanship of the stitching and the straps, meaning that you can hold a lot of heavy gear and it won’t break or tear on you.

What I like most about this rucksack is that it has two main compartments rather than just one. If you like to keep things organized, this is essential so that you can make sure that you can find everything quickly and efficiently.

This bag is also MOLLE compatible, although it does not have any MOLLE packs included. What it does have, however, is a compartment for a hydro pack, which is a nice addition if you use such a thing.

Overall, this is one of the most durable and reliable bags I’ve seen, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to go outdoors often.

5. SUNVP 40L Tactical MOLLE Rucksack

Editor Rating:

Finally, we have the SUNVP 40-Liter Tactical Daypack. This is another highly rugged rucksack, meaning that I would recommend it for outdoor use all the time. What I especially like about this model is the design.

For most of these backpacks, they have a clamshell opening (zipper) that’s exposed to the elements. With this bag, however, the main compartment is covered by a thick flap so that if it rains or snows you don’t have to worry about water seeping in through the zipper.

Like the other bags we’ve seen, this pack is MOLLE compatible and comes with two extra packs. One of them is a water bottle holder, but you also have space for a water bladder so you can drink as you walk without needing to reach back all the time.

Overall I love the design, feel, and dependability of this backpack.

Pros

Durable 600D nylon construction

Fade-resistant

Waterproof material

Comes in four different colors

Thick padding for extra comfort

Shoulder and chest straps for heavier weight

Meets military specifications

One main compartment

Two external compartments

Main area covered by a flap for better protection

MOLLE compatible

Has space for a water bladder

Cons

Final verdict

Overall, when looking through each of these products, I would have to say that my top picks are the SUNVP or Mil-Tec rucksacks. I like the features and durability that they offer, and they seem to hold up better than the rest.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a rugged bag for everyday use (like school), then the CAMTOA or either CVLife bags will do just fine. They can be utilized for outdoor camping and such, but I find that they are not as great with heavy gear as the SUNVP or Mil-Tec models.

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